Discuss the ups and downs of Jane Eyre’s life. 

Answer

Discuss the ups and downs of Jane Eyre’s life.  [NU: 2017, 19]

Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855) in Jane Eyre (1847) tells the moving story of a poor, orphaned girl. Jane’s life is a journey of suffering and hope. She faces cruelty, hunger, and loneliness. Yet she also finds love, respect, and independence. Her life moves through many ups and downs. From Gateshead to Thornfield, from despair to joy. Finally, Jane wins love, equality, and peace.

Childhood Pain at Gateshead:  Jane’s early life is one of sorrow. She lives with her aunt, Mrs. Reed. But Mrs. Reed hates her. Cousins John, Eliza, and Georgiana mock her. John Reed beats her cruelly. Jane bursts out in anger:

“You are like a murderer—you are like a slave-driver—you are like the Roman emperors!”

Mrs. Reed got angry at this. So, Jane is locked in the Red-Room as punishment by Mrs. Reed. It is the room where her uncle, Mr. Reed, died. Her punishment in the Red-Room is a symbol of fear. She feels haunted and hopeless. This is the first dark sunrise of her life.

Harsh Discipline at Lowood School: Jane is sent to Lowood School. Life here is very hard. The building is cold. Food is bad. Mr. Brocklehurst insults Jane before all. He calls her a liar. The girls look tired and sick. Their shoes are old. They wear thin clothes in winter. Jane notes,

“Our clothing was insufficient to protect us from the severe cold.”

But here Jane meets Helen Burns and Miss Temple. Helen teaches patience and forgiveness. Miss Temple shows kindness and care. In this school, Jane learns courage and values. Childhood pain slowly turns into inner strength. This is an up after the down.

Love and Happiness at Thornfield: Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall. She teaches Adèle. Soon, she meets Mr. Rochester. He is rich, proud, but kind to Jane. Slowly, love grows between them. Rochester proposes,

“Jane, will you marry me?”